Main Information
- Tuition-FREE
- State-of-the-art training facilities
- 15-weeks in-school training (part-time: evenings & some Saturdays)
- 8-week paid full-time work placement
- In-class training delivered by highly skilled instructors who are specialists in their fields
About the Program
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades (welding, metal fabrication, general carpentry), TTG offers Ministry-funded, 23-week Pre-Apprenticeship Multiple Trades Exposure Programs in Strathroy and Stratford, Ontario and Tuition is FREE!
These programs are a great way to gain exposure to three related trades to learn the basic theory and practical knowledge needed to get entry-level work in the skilled trades. After in-class training is complete, the program culminates in an 8-week paid work placement.
This program will set you ahead of the competition by helping you develop the job skills and trade readiness you need to start a career in the skilled trades and work towards securing an apprenticeship.
In-School Training: The primary trade exposure is Welding/Metal Fabricator, with secondary exposure to the General Carpentry trade. The in-class training includes 15 weeks (evenings and some Saturdays) of hands-on practical and theory training in welding, metal fabricating and general carpentry, trade math, blueprint reading, employment preparation and safety training. Regular evaluations and testing of knowledge and skills are conducted throughout the training to ensure that you have achieved the learning outcomes identified for this program.
On-the-Job-Training: Upon completion of the in-school training, trainees will participate in a full-time, 8-week, entry level, paid work placement with a local employer. This placement provides the opportunity for you to apply and refine the skills you have learned and gain on-the-job work experience.
Prerequisites
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Minimum of 18 years of age (by program end)
- Eligible to work in Ontario
- Secondary School Diploma or GED, or CAEC (also eligible if graduating in June 2026)
- Newcomers with PR or Refugee status, an open work permit, and a language proficiency at or equivalent to CLB 6 or higher are also eligible to apply.
- Willing and able to commit to 15-weeks part-time evening training and some Saturdays (14+) hours per week and a full-time 8-week work placement.
Please Note: We are currently prioritizing applications for our Strathroy Program as this program starts at the end of May. Applications for the Stratford Program remain open; however, please be advised that our team will begin processing and reviewing Stratford applications on June 6, 2026. Thank you for your patience!
Program Information
Strathroy Location
SC Skilled Trades Hub
361 Second Street, Strathroy, Ontario (within SDCI/Holy Cross Secondary School).
Application Deadline: May 9, 2026
Delivery: Program Starts May 25, 2026
Stratford Location
Stratford District Secondary School
428 Forman Avenue, Stratford
Application Deadline: August 24, 2026
Delivery: Program Starts September 14, 2026
Topics
- Welding/Metal Fabrication
- General Carpentry
- Includes Trade Math & Blueprint Reading
- Employment Preparation
- Work Placement
Hours
- 85+
- 65+
- as part of delivery above
- 10+
- 320
Additional Components
- CWB Testing (MIG flat and horizontal)
- Health & Safety Training including: Workplace First Aid + CPR, WHMIS, Working At Heights and more.
TTG's Pre-Apprenticeship Multiple Trades Exposure Program is also delivered through partnerships with Community Employment Choices (Strathroy), Agilec, the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, Thames Valley District School Board, London Catholic District School Board, Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board, and Avon Maitland District School Board.
Application Process
There are limited spots available in our Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Multiple Trades Exposure Programs. To be considered for one of our programs, you will first need to submit an application.
Please Note: We are currently prioritizing applications for our Strathroy Program as this program starts at the end of May. Applications for the Stratford Program remain open; however, please be advised that our team will begin processing and reviewing Stratford applications on June 6, 2026. Thank you for your patience!
How to Apply
Fill out and submit the online application form below. Please note: You will be asked as part of this process to also provide a copy of your resume.
If you are unable to access this form online and would prefer a pdf or printed version, please contact us at 519-801-8641.
Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility.
- Eligible Applicants will be notified by telephone and/or email to participate in an in-person interview. Applicants will be asked to email their resume prior to the Interview to info@ttgtraining.org
- Applicants should bring to the interview:
- Proof of Schooling (including a copy of Secondary School Diploma, GED or CAEC). If you are graduating in June 2026, or you have this on order, please communicate this during interview.
- A copy of your current Resume
- A copy of any Safety Training Certifications
- Proof of Permanent Residency Status (if applicable)
- Contact information (phone and email) for 3 personal or employment references
- Assessments will take place online and must be completed within a designated time frame (links will be provided).
- Assessments will help determine if any additional upgrading is necessary in Math or English to successfully complete the training for individuals accepted in the program.
- Candidates will be required to sign Consent for Release of Personal Information forms giving permission to release test results to TTG and sharing and discussing with program delivery partners
Acceptance Notification
12 Candidates will be selected for each program based on their eligibility, personal interview(s), references and assessment results. Successful candidates will be notified by phone and email.
If you have any questions or require additional information, contact us at 519-801-8641, or info@ttgtraining.org.
Program Curriculum
Welder/Metal Fabricator (85+ Hours)
This course provides hands-on and theoretical classes in basic welding to prepare participants for an entry-level position in the industry and the fundamentals for pursuing a career in the field. The participants will use industry grade tools and equipment throughout the course when completing projects.
Course Outcomes
Successful completion of this course will enable the trainee to understand:
- Safe work practices
- Proper use and maintenance of trade related hand and power tools
- Building Fundamentals: Introductory blueprint reading and weld symbols, trade math refresher, and measuring
- Importance of selection and preparation of materials, equipment settings, layout procedures and material preparation
- Basic fabrication of metal projects
- Basics of metallurgy
- Set-up, adjustment of flame and gas pressure and shut-down procedures for oxyacetylene welding and cutting equipment
- Creation of basic weld joints in a variety of GMAW positions and processes applied according to required standards
- Fundamental causes of distortion and describe the factors affecting distortion
- Methods used to prevent distortion
- Post-welding procedures
- Inspection and troubleshooting of welding projects
General Carpentry (65+ Hours)
This course provides the foundational general carpentry skills required to pursue a career in construction. Each trainee will be able to develop their skill set by completing projects focusing on basic carpentry skills, utilizing a variety of tools. The trainee will be using industry grade equipment throughout the course when completing projects.
Course Outcomes
Successful completion of this course will enable the trainee to understand:
- Safe work practices
- Proper use and maintenance of trade related hand and power tools
- Building Fundamentals: Introductory blueprint reading, trade math refresher, and measuring
- Basic Wall framing techniques
- Drywalling
- Window & door installation
- Flooring
- Trim and finishing
Hand Tools/Power Tools
By the end of the course, trainees will be able to properly describe the safety precautions of hand tools and power tools in accordance with government safety regulations, manufacturers' recommendations and approved industry standards. Trainees will identify and gain knowledge in the use of various hand tools and power tools used throughout industry, including tools particular to the welder/metal fabricator and general carpentry trades.
Trade Math & Measurement Overview
This introductory trade calculations and measurement course focuses on basic arithmetic, basic algebra, and geometry using practical workplace examples. This course is designed to prepare trainees for practical applications and subsequent learning in the skilled trades.
Applied Blueprint: Reading Overview
Trainees will be able to describe the content and organization of basic drawings as well as understand the purpose of common types of lines, common views and presentations found on drawings. Trainees will perform basic drafting and sketching operations and apply layout and fitting techniques to perform assigned shop projects.
Employment Preparation
These classes are designed to prepare trainees for moving successfully into the workplace. Classes will focus on completing Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps, understanding safe work practices, roles and responsibilities in the workplace, resume writing and building interview skills.
Healthy & Safety Training
This training covers safe material handling operations, Industrial Safety Acts and potential workplace hazards in accordance with government safety regulations, manufacturers' recommendations and approved industry standards.
Certification training such as Emergency First Aid + CPR-C & AED, and Working at Heights , as well as OHSA, WHMIS, Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space awareness training will be done at strategic points in the program and prior to work placement.
Work Placement (Minimum 240 hours/ Approx 8 Weeks)
Trainees must complete an 8-week / 240 hour minimum work placement in a related field. Trainees will interview for a paid job placement within the local business community with employers receiving a wage subsidy to help offset the work placement wages. The goal of this placement is to help trainees transition into an entry level position in the skilled trades and provide a stepping stone towards gaining an apprenticeship.
TTG's Pre-Apprenticeship Multiple Trades Exposure Program is also delivered through partnerships with Community Employment Choices (Strathroy), Agilec, the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, Thames Valley District School Board, London Catholic District School Board, Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board, and Avon Maitland District School Board.
